Toby Anne Walanka

June 19th, 2023

I’m so sorry 😔 to hear of your loss. Toby was a beautiful person inside and out. She always loved coming to help out in David’s 2 and 3 rd grade classroom. Her smile and laughter was contagious. She knew how to spread laughter into our classroom and I was so blessed to have her as a room mom. I will never forget her sweet smile and oh how she loved David and her family. It breaks my heart that we have once more lost another beautiful angel on Earth. Sending you much 💕 love.

~Patricia Eliopoulos (Panagakos)
~Friend, Arlington Heights

May 14th, 2023

The memory of your lovely smile and warm friendliness is remembered by all who knew you, and you are greatly missed. Love and blessed memories to Paul and family.

~Sandie Betts
~Friend and Neighbor, Mesa, AZ

May 13th, 2023

I only knew Toby briefly, but I felt her warmth and was taken in. So sorry for your loss.

~Patricia Berns
~Friend, Arizona

April 27th, 2023

I am heartbroken over the loss of Toby. I have so many great memories of her. After her mother died she became a family member, and was the big sister I never had. We later became friends, getting married and having our babies together around the same time. I have been replaying the many memories and laughs we shared together, and it feels hard to believe she’s gone. She was always so vibrant and full of life. I am so sorry for your loss, and all you had to endure over the past two years. Sending love to Paul, David and Alex, and the entire Slutzky family.

~Debby Keim
~Cousin, Naperville, Illinois

April 25th, 2023

My big cousin, who loved me as I was growing up. She and her momma were like a grandmother and aunt to me, fussing and loving me so. I am forever grateful for the love in those early years…it meant so much. Whether she was teasing me or tending me, it was true love. I want to get in line to say all the things that we all know – her heart and soul, laugh and mind touched us all to the bone. Rarely does a human give so endlessly and delightfully. Her bright smile and twinkling eyes will be with me for all time. Her memories will warm and comfort.

~Charna Rosenholtz
~Cousin, Boulder, CO

April 25th, 2023

I first met Toby at a big Hanukkah gathering at Rod and Marilyn’s home. I was a little nervous about meeting so much of Jason’s family at once but within five minutes, she had me laughing and feeling at ease. That is just who Toby was. An uncommon person with an infectious ability to make anyone around her feel at home. When my father died a few years ago, Toby sent me an email that I loved so much, I printed it out to keep forever. That email was pure Toby — it made me laugh, it made me cry, it had wisdom and grace, it directed me to not dwell on anger, and it made me laugh a little more. I will carry her close to my heart for the rest of my days.

~Ali Burch
~Family, Bowling Green, KY

April 25th, 2023

Toby has always been such a warm presence and I have so many amazing memories from gatherings and holidays and dinners over the years. But the memory I want to share here is more recent – Ali and I had a zoom baby shower in January, and even though she was feeling terrible, Toby joined from bed with Marilyn and it meant so much to us to have her there to celebrate bringing a new member into this wonderful family. I am so sorry I could not be there in person, so I am grateful the service was streamed online. Sending all of my love and thoughts to everyone from Kentucky.

~Jason Rosenholtz-Witt
~Cousin, Bowling Green, KY

April 25th, 2023

We all have family members who are very special and shine a light onto others, but Toby’s light was radiant, powerful and long-lasting!! And this light will continue to shine on in the memories of her dear family and dear friends through the pathways of time. May she now Rest In Peace….With love, Dottie and Al

~Dottie Fiedler
~Longtime friend of Rodney and Marilyn Slutzky and Family, Deerfield Il

April 25th, 2023

Toby and I met in a baby playground when the boys were about 9 -10 months.
Sending all our 💙 and thoughts to all.

~Laura Englander
~Friend, Buffalo Grove

April 25th, 2023

Our favorite memory was of the engagement proposal of Courtney and David. We were so honored too be part of such a memorable event.It is such a blessing to be included in the Walanka family events and extend our family. Toby’s fun sprit and laughter will be missed.

~Lisa and Mike Hahn
~Courtney’s Parents and friends of Paul and Toby, 7084 Summit Ridge Brighton MI 48116

April 25th, 2023

I first met Toby when we were campers together at Tamarak Day Camp. I will always remember her for her wonderful smile and infectious laugh! Rest in peace Toby. xo

~Judy Bard
~Friend, Evanston, IL

April 25th, 2023

I first met Toby in DeKalb on her way back from Arizona in May 1973, after graduation to see Alexis, my room mate at NIU and her friend since childhood. We immediately became fast friends and she gave me her dog, Beanie, as she wouldn’t be able to keep her in an apartment in the city. The love and healing her dog gave to me and my family, who had recently lost my Dad at that time was a life saver.
Toby continued to be a radiant “sparkler” in my life as a friend and a role model of a strong woman who always spoke her own truth.
As I struggled in my grief this past February w/ the passing of my brother, in her illness she was still comforting me with her kind and understanding words. We are all blessed to have known her and we will have an angel on our shoulder.

~Georgianne Jirousek
~lucky to have Toby as my friend, Chicago, Illinois

April 25th, 2023

Sometimes you meet someone and you immediately click and you feel like you’ve been friends forever. That is what it was like with Toby! Her infectious laugh and welcoming smile was one in a million. We feel so lucky to have had her in our life if only for a short time. You will be missed forever our dear friend. Rest in peace, free from pain. Your memory will always be a blessing.

~Cathy and Ton Aron
~Friend, Mesa, AZ

April 25th, 2023

We will miss seeing Toby in Chicago and in Vail. Our daughter married into the Slutzky family 19 years ago. We loved Toby from the first time we met her. Her influence affected so many- rest on, Toby. We love you.

~Dr. Douglas A. and Debra L Dennis
~friends-our son in laws aunt, Littleton

April 25th, 2023

Toby always had a vivacious smile and a giggle when she laughed. She was a very positive soul. I will always remember the fun hours we spent planning our 10th year reunion.
Rest in peace.

~Nancy Glassberg
~School Friend, LA

April 24th, 2023

Toby welcomed me into the family way back in 1970 when when we were still teenagers! She was warm and wonderful and we had a great relationship that lasted all these years.
I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing, my deepest condolences to Paul and all of her beloved family.
Penny Ann Glick

~Penny Ann Glick
~Cousin, Tucson

April 24th, 2023

Sending love and hugs during this difficult time. May Toby’s memory be for a blessing.

~Pearl and Joel Kagan
~Cousin to Marilyn, Highland Park, IL

April 24th, 2023

Toby was such a dynamic woman. She really knew how to through a party – whether it was Thanksgiving or a bridal shower. No detail was missed.
Paul, Alex, David – condolences on this life-changing loss. Just remember that you were her life and you did not disappoint.
Arthur and Alys Grossman

~Arthur Grossman and Alys Kremer
~Brother-in-law, Teaneck

April 24th, 2023

Toby, was always a whirling wind. She filled a room. with her smile! Her childlike spirit was infectious. Bless you Toby love Brenda

~Brenda Seltman
~Friend, Cincinnati, Ohio

April 24th, 2023

Toby was my neighbor who always had a smile on her face. One of our sons used to babysit for Toby and Paul’s boys and always spoke so highly of their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mindy and Barry Newmark

~Mindy
~, Northbrook ILlinois

April 24th, 2023

Toby was loving and generous to me. My family was new to the North Shore, and we did not have a lot of money. Toby knew I wanted to fit in, but could not afford the name brand clothes (Villager skirts come to mind.) She literally opened her closet and told me to take anything I wanted. Such open hearted kindness was beyond my imagination. She will be in my heart forever.

~JOY RODDY DOWNS
~friend from high school!, Newmarket

April 24th, 2023

Although I’ve not known Toby very long she was such a wonderful and kind person she always made you feel welcome and her advice was always right on . Toby you will always be in our hearts . Love you
Tonie Adams

~Tonie Adams
~Friend, Park Ridge Il 60068

April 23rd, 2023

Toby was my friend, travel bud and friend from our teens. I will miss her terribly, but my life is richer because of her. Love to Paul, David and Alex

~Chris and Molly Maher
~Close friends, Canton, Ga

April 23rd, 2023

Her wonderful smile. Her love for her friends, family and life. She’ll be truly missed by all.

~Theresa Aubuchon
~Friend, Arizona

April 23rd, 2023

Toby was a breath of fresh air with her vivacious personality and her loving and caring manner in which she lived her life. She was so special to me, as I’m sure she was to so many. Tobala, you will be missed by so many, especially me. Rest in peace my friend. ❤️

~Wendy Kopka
~Friend, Highland Park, IL

April 23rd, 2023

Toby’s smile and always positive attitude was inspiring to many of her AZ friends. We will miss her so very much. May her memory be blessing.

~Greg & Vee McAuliffe
~Friends, Mesa, AZ

April 23rd, 2023

Sending love and prayers to you. Toby was an incredible woman, mom and wife and she will be missed terribly.

~Jon and Ellen Andes
~Good friends, Mesa, AZ